28 Healthy Recipes to Start the New Year

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by Trish James // January 2, 2020 (last updated January 24, 2024)

Are you ready for a new year, a new you? After the indulgent holiday season, many of us are looking to get back on track in the new year with a healthy diet and more exercise. If you’re looking for healthy recipes to start the new year, we’ve rounded up 28 delicious ideas for you.

Everyone has different goals every year. I know mine change from year to year. Sometimes it is my eating patterns and sometimes it is my mind set. Whatever yours is this year, we have a bunch of resources and recipes to help you set and keep your goals. From meal planning, less screen time, or just eating better in general, we have some tips and tricks to help you achieve your New Year’s Resolutions.

What are your family’s new year’s resolutions?

To start meal planning? We go back to the basics with Meal Planning Magic on Episode 1 of the Healthy Family Project podcast.

Spending less time on devices and in front of screens? Get tips from Dr. Stephanie in Episode 3 of our podcast.

Practicing mindful eating? Listen to Episode 6 for tips from Jackie Vega.

Looking to move to a plant-based diet? Lean Green DAD shares tips from his family in Episode 4.

Curious what our experts are resolving to do in 2019? Check out Episode 17 to hear their resolutions and tips for families.

Not sure where to start with a New Year’s resolution? Our registered dietitian, Sally, shares 5 easy ones your family can implement.

For many, after an indulgent holiday season, we’re looking forward to getting back on a healthy eating streak. If you’re looking for some healthy recipes to add to your menu in January, we have you covered.

This list has ideas for making recipes in an Instant Pot, air fryer, slow cooker and more.

Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta with Asparagus

Look no further than this salmon pasta for a quick and easy meal. Made with simple ingredients and fresh asparagus for an easy weeknight dinner.

Buffalo Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps

Buffalo chicken goes plant-based with these tasty buffalo cauliflower lettuce wraps. All your favorite buffalo wing flavors - buffalo sauce, celery, carrots and blue cheese - get wrapped up for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup

Traditional baked potato soup gets a healthier makeover with the addition of cauliflower. Enjoy the same creamy goodness without the fuss of pre-baking the potatoes by making this soup in just 20 minutes in an Instant Pot!

Instant Pot Chicken Ramen

This easy Instant Pot ramen is a serious upgrade to those packets of ramen from college. We added a healthy dose of protein with chicken and loaded up on veggies like onions, bok choy and carrot.

Instant Pot Beef Stew

When cooler weather comes, nothing is more comforting than a hearty bowl of beef stew. While many recipes of this classic dish take hours to prepare, this version is made in the Instant Pot for a delicious, healthy meal in less time.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili recipe is the perfect way to add a bit of pumpkin to your dinner table!

Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas

This slow cooker fajitas recipe is a busy parent’s best friend. Mix up this delicious nutrient-filled combination prior to heading out for the day and have a meal ready upon return.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Save time in the kitchen with this butternut squash soup slow cooker recipe. The baked carrot chips add a delicious and healthy crunch!

Slow Cooker Shredded Pork Tacos

Looking for a no-fuss Taco Tuesday recipe? Let your slow cooker do the work for these shredded pork tacos and top with a southwest inspired chopped salad kit.

Air Fryer Mexican Cauliflower Rice Taquitos

Taquitos are a kid-friendly and easy way to get veggies into kiddos, and this homemade version is no exception. Packed with cauliflower, black beans and corn, kids will happily eat these for lunch, dinner or as a snack.

Mini Apple Pie Empanadas

These mini apple pie empanadas are portioned just right for a sweet treat without going into a sugar overload.

One-Pot Chicken Lo Mein

What’s easier than throwing everything into a pot and having dinner ready in 20 minutes with little to no work? This recipe for chicken lo mein will have you skipping on take-out and opting for a family-friendly, home-cooked meal instead.

One-Pot Vegetarian Enchilada Bowls

Get all the tastes of classic enchiladas but in a bowl! Ready in about 30 minutes, this one-pot dish makes getting a home-cooked, healthy meal on the table easy.

One-Pot Light Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup gets a makeover in this lighter, one-pot version. Packed with veggies for tons of flavor and lower in sodium than canned versions.

Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

For this sheet pan dinner, we tossed the veggies and chicken in a tangy honey mustard sauce for one tasty dinner.

With just a few minutes of prep work, this easy Italian Sausage and Veggie sheet pan dinner comes together for a quick, fuss-free meal.

Hearty Vegetable Tortellini Soup

You'll love how quick and easy this Hearty Vegetable Tortellini Soup is to make! It's a satisfying vegetarian meal filled with cheese tortellini, diced tomatoes, green beans, spinach and chickpeas.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac

Busy families often rely on the convenience of boxed hamburger meals, but you can get the same delicious meal in a much healthier way with this one-pot cheeseburger mac!

Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Red Potato Skillet

With the help of a few kitchen staples, this easy weeknight dinner is on the table in just 15 minutes! Filled with veggies like peppers, onions and potatoes, and topped with melted cheese, this skillet meal will be a hit with the whole family.

Asian Chicken Stir Fry

Dinner takes a shortcut with this easy chicken stir fry. Using a chopped salad kit plus a few extra veggies, you can get a healthy, flavorful meal on the table in under 15 minutes.

Mini BBQ Turkey Meatloaf Sheet Pan Dinner

The traditional meatloaf dinner with a serious upgrade by swapping in lean ground turkey, adding mushrooms and onions, and topping with a little BBQ sauce and cheese. Everything cooks on one sheet pan for easy cleanup!

Morning Glory Overnight Oats

Enjoy the traditional flavors of Morning Glory Muffins in no-cook oatmeal form for an easy, healthy breakfast. Prep ahead of time for a week’s worth of breakfasts!

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with Avocado Slaw

This BBQ jackfruit sandwich cooks in a homemade BBQ sauce and it topped with a delicious avocado coleslaw.

Roasted Chickpea Vegetarian Buddha Bowl

Buddha bowls are full of healthy grains, veggies and protein, and really simple to make. To save time, roast the chickpeas ahead of time and store in a ziplock bag or sealed container until ready to use.

Plant-based sausage, potatoes, onions, peppers and tomatoes cook together in one skillet for a delicious and easy meal your family will love. One skillet also makes for easy clean-up!

Make-Ahead Freezable Breakfast Burritos

Mornings are a busy time for parents. It can be difficult to make a protein-packed breakfast and get out the door. These breakfast burritos can be made ahead of time and frozen for easy reheating and eating.

Hidden Veggie Turkey Meatballs

These meatballs are packed with veggies and made with turkey, to give them a healthy spin.

Southwest Black Bean Burgers

These protein-packed black bean burgers have a southwest flair with a flavorful seasoning combo and added veggies. Plus, their freezer-friendly!

Make sure to PIN IT!

More ideas:

20 Healthy Snacks for New Year’s Eve

Healthy Family New Year’s Resolutions